While not all candles actively purify air, certain types are believed to offer air-cleaning benefits.
Specifically, beeswax candles are often suggested as an option if you are using a candle and are concerned about air quality. According to some information, beeswax candles are said to clean the air by releasing negative ions. These negative ions are believed to bind with toxins and help remove them from the air, potentially making the air cleaner.
In contrast, the reference states that regular paraffin wax candles burn less cleanly compared to beeswax or soy candles.
Different Types of Candles and Air Quality
The type of wax a candle is made from significantly impacts how cleanly it burns and any potential effect it has on air quality.
- Beeswax Candles: These are often highlighted for their potential air-purifying qualities. The theory is that the negative ions released during burning help neutralize pollutants like dust, mold spores, and allergens in the air by causing them to drop out of the air.
- Soy Candles: Similar to beeswax, soy candles are typically presented as a cleaner-burning alternative to paraffin. While they may produce fewer sooty emissions than paraffin, they are not typically associated with the negative ion effect attributed to beeswax.
- Paraffin Candles: These are the most common type of candles. Made from petroleum wax, paraffin candles can release soot and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when burned, which can potentially affect indoor air quality rather than purifying it.
Therefore, based on the provided reference, the ability of candles to purify air is specifically linked to beeswax candles and their claimed release of negative ions. Choosing beeswax or soy over paraffin is suggested for a cleaner burn.
